"Tale of Tales" filmmaker Matteo Garrone is set to direct Carlo Collodi's new adaptation "Pinocchio." "The Confessions" actor Toni Servillo will star as the wooden puppet's father Geppetto.
Italian actor Servillo will reteam with Garrone for the first time in the new imagining of Disney's classic tale "Pinocchio," Deadline reported. The duo worked together previously on the 2008 Cannes Film Festival hit "Gomorrah."
"Pinocchio" is an adaptation of Collodi's bestselling classic story from 1940. Garrone will direct from his own screenplay. His live-action version will take an artisanal approach, blending prosthetics, special makeup, and CGI.
"Pinocchio" will have digital effects aesthetically integrated with the actors' makeup and layered over facial prosthetics, making the characters appear extraordinarily real. It will be produced by his Archimede Productions, Jeremy Thomas' Recorded Picture Company, and Jean Labadie's Le Pacte.
"Pinocchio" is Garrone's dream that goes back in time to when he was a child, he said in a statement. It will complete his journey through the fairy-tale world that he started with "Tale of Tales."
According to Variety, "Pinocchio" will be unveiled to buyers at the American Film Market. HanWay Films is representing worldwide rights. RAI Cinema has already acquired Italian rights, while Le Pacte will release the title in France.
Servillo is one of Italy's leading actors and known for his role in the Foreign-Language Oscar winner "The Great Beauty." He made appearances in "One Man Up," "The Consequences of Love," and "Il Divo." He won best actor in 2008 at the European Film Awards for his roles in both "Gomorrah" and "Il Divo."
Garrone won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival twice - for "Gomorrah" in 2008 and "Reality" in 2011. His "Tale of Tales" premiered in competition at Cannes in 2015.
"Pinocchio" starts shooting in the spring in locations across Lazio and Tuscany, Italy.
Watch the video of Matteo Garrone's "Tale of Tales" official trailer: